Wednesday, 16 February 2011

Community Sector Engagement with Derry City Council

On Thursday 10th February Ireland's leading Trade Union SIPTU delivered a presentation to Derry City Council about SIPTU’s campaign against cuts to Community Sector Services.

The presentation was delivered by local SIPTU activists, Sean McMonagle and SIPTU Lead Organiser Martin O'Rourke. The aim of the engagement was to build cross party support for the trade unions community campaign.

Sean McMonagle speaking prior to the meeting stated,

“It has never been more vital for the Community sector and the Council to work in a partnership manner to ensure our community sector delivers for Derry”

A cross section of Councillors were present, and SIPTU believes the presentation was enthusiastically received. All the Councillors speaking at the meeting expressed their support for the campaign with many noting that they were themselves active members of community groups.

Speaking after the meeting with Derry City Council, SIPTU's Martin O'Rourke said,

"SIPTU will continue to engage and work with all 26 District Councils, all MLAs MEPs and MPs to defend our communities in the face of Tory led cuts to the Assembly budget. The local Community have benefited immensely from a vibrant community and voluntary sector. It was reassuring to see all local Councillors and all political parties, support SIPTU's campaign. We are aware when the decision makers cut budgets they do so at the point of least resistance. We as a Community need to ensure the point of least resistance is not our vital community sector services provided to the most vulnerable communities by dedicated workers".

"We will continue to engage with the local communities, and to organise community workers into our Union to campaign against the proposed cuts. Any person who wishes to join our campaign should contact our SIPTU Belfast office on 02890314000" continued Mr O’Rourke.

Mr. Monagle stated,

“It is neither right, reasonable nor fair that Community Sector Workers who work tirelessly for the local Community should be concerned that their years of work combating social exclusion should be placed under threat.”